How to Make a Postcard

Postcards are an inexpensive, quick way to reach a large group of people. Learning how to make a postcard can greatly benefit your company or brand because they serve many purposes. Postcards can be used as reminders, invitations, notices, informative pieces, advertisements, and more. Many postcards are 4 x 6 in size and printed on a high-quality thick paper.

If you are sending the postcard by First-Class Mail, the United States Postal Service currently requires* that the postcard must be:

Rectangular
At least 3-1/2 inches high x 5 inches long x 0.007 inch thick (about the thickness of an index card)
No more than 4-1/4 inches high x 6 inches long x 0.016 inches thick

If you are sending it standard mail, size is more lenient, since you will be paying letter prices for postage, but the postcard must be no larger than 6-1/8" x 11-1/2" x 1/4" thick.

Glossy and uncoated papers are very successful for use as postcards, but when choosing a paper make sure you think about writing the addresses on the card. Glossy paper isn't going to hold ink or marker as well, but if you prefer the glossy look you can use sticker labels for the addresses. Also, if you want to use a glossy paper but still need to be able to write on it, using a C1S (Coated one side stock) is a great option. ZoePrint.com offers Carolina 12 point C1S which is perfect for postcards.

You can design the front side of a postcard to be viewed horizontally or vertically, but the back side (the side with the mailing) must read horizontally. Typically the back of the card has the address on the right half of the postcard with space for the stamp in the upper right corner. If you have a postal indicia you can use, make sure it is designed correctly when creating the design.

Postcards should be relatively simple; putting an eye-catching image on the front and a few short paragraphs on the back can be very successful when trying to reach clients or customers.

You want to make sure to use high-quality images and graphics on the postcard because they entice the reader to spend more time looking at the card. Colored paper or high quality printing can also help a postcard design pop!

Once you have created your postcard, upload it to ZoePrint.com and we can cheaply print your design!

*Postal Requirements are subject to change. Verify current requirements with your local Post Office before designing or printing anything.

Click here to see the pricing of our cheap postcards.